Description
Spicy meets comfort in this one pot taco spaghetti, blending Mexican zest with Italian pasta perfection. Hearty ingredients dance together, creating a quick weeknight meal packed with bold flavors that you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 1/4 cup finely diced onions
Seasoning and Liquid:
- 1 1-ounce packet taco seasoning
- 1 14-ounce can diced tomatoes (with liquid)
- 2 cups water
Pasta and Cheese:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) uncooked spaghetti
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium temperature and sauté garlic, onions, and ground beef until meat browns and crumbles completely.
- Drain excess fat from the skillet and evenly coat the beef with taco seasoning, ensuring thorough mixing.
- Pour diced tomatoes with their liquid and water into the skillet, then add uncooked spaghetti, gently submerging the pasta.
- Increase heat to high and bring the mixture to a rapid boil, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for approximately 15 minutes, occasionally repositioning the spaghetti to ensure even cooking.
- Uncover the skillet and continue cooking for an additional minute to eliminate any remaining liquid, creating a slightly thickened sauce.
- Remove skillet from heat and generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top, allowing residual warmth to melt the cheese naturally.
- Let the dish rest for 2-3 minutes to allow cheese to melt completely and flavors to meld together.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Notes
- Enhance protein variety by substituting ground beef with shredded chicken, turkey, or plant-based crumbles for different dietary preferences.
- Control sodium levels by using low-sodium taco seasoning and draining excess fat completely for a healthier one-pot meal.
- Elevate texture and nutrition by incorporating additional vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or corn during the initial cooking stage.
- Create a gluten-free version by replacing traditional spaghetti with zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta alternatives for those with dietary restrictions.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 16-20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 570 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 56 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg